Body Type Calculator

What this body type calculator does

This calculator uses four circumference measurements — bust, waist, high hip, and hip — to describe a body shape and calculate the waist-hip ratio. The shapes are descriptive categories such as hourglass, pear, apple, inverted triangle, and rectangle.

Body shape is not a health diagnosis. Waist circumference, body composition, and medical history provide more useful health information.

How to use this calculator

1. Choose inches or centimeters.
2. Measure your bust, waist, high hip, and hip.
3. Click Calculate to see the shape and waist-hip ratio.

The default example is 36-inch bust, 24-inch waist, 32-inch high hip, and 36-inch hip.

Body shape formulas

Waist-hip ratio = waist ÷ hip

Hourglass: bust and hip within 5%, waist ≤ 75% of the smaller
Pear: hip ≥ 105% of bust
Apple: waist ≥ 80% of the smaller of bust and hip
Inverted triangle: bust ≥ 105% of hip
Rectangle: none of the above

The high hip measurement is included in the input for completeness; the shape rules above use bust, waist, and hip.

What the results mean

• Shape: a descriptive category, not a medical classification.
• Waist-hip ratio: waist divided by hip. The default example is 0.67.

A higher waist-hip ratio is associated with more central fat, but it is only one measure. Body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, and laboratory values add context.

Assumptions and limitations

The measurements must be taken at consistent locations and with the tape level. The shape categories are simplified and do not capture every body type. They do not account for height, muscle mass, pregnancy, or medical conditions.

Do not use body shape to diagnose a health condition or to set a weight goal. Discuss health risks with a clinician.

Frequently asked questions

What is a healthy waist-hip ratio?

Risk thresholds vary by sex and population. Many guidelines use about 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women as a threshold for increased central obesity risk, but individual assessment matters.

Why measure the high hip?

It can help describe hip shape and is included in the input for consistency with other body-shape methods. The current classification uses bust, waist, and hip.

Can body shape change?

Yes. Fat distribution and muscle mass change with age, hormones, pregnancy, and lifestyle. The shape categories are a snapshot.

Is hourglass the “best” shape?

No. Body shape is descriptive. Health depends on many factors, not on a shape label.

Source

References:

• CDC — Adult BMI Calculator
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute — Calculate your BMI

Disclaimer

This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Consult a qualified health professional for personalized assessment.